to shop / the perfect laptop bag

I carry my laptop to and from work almost every single work day. I find it easier to commute with a separate purse and laptop bag rather than one really heavy bag, especially when I had back issues. A sensible, chic laptop bag was necessary and a worthwhile investment since it requires almost daily usage. I disliked the free ones that the Firm handed out since they were designed for men.

I ended up becoming a Tumi gal. Yes, there are tons of cute laptop bags on the market, but they were not slim or black enough, or not a true laptop bag. I wanted something that could be carried by hand and shoulder. The material was also very important as I cannot stand when bags ruin clothes with friction and I wanted something that was low maintenance.

My first bag was from the Vista Collection. It retailed for $150. I set up an eBay search and found one – brand new – on eBay for $37.99. It was black, super sleek with a fine weaved ballistic nylon and leather accents, and had a stylish red padded interior. It fit my laptop perfectly and that’s all I needed it to do — I don’t travel with my charger. When my laptop was upgraded, it got a little tighter to the point that I sometimes had to shake it upside down to get it out! Eventually the leather loop on the bag to which the strap was attached gave up. What a good bag to last me 4 years! (Picture this in black…)

I looked on eBay for a replacement, but there seemed to be a few versions of bag #1. The ones I found were not the same and too small. I ended back at Tumi for bag number 2. I couldn’t find anything as slim, simple, and lightweight in black. The second bag was from the Voyageur collection, style Luxembourg. It wasn’t as slim but I didn’t find that to be a problem. because I could fit papers inside and the occasional gym shoes (if I didn’t zip it up). It was made of smooth nylon and also had leather accents. I really don’t mind that the leather is a bit worn since it’s black and unnoticeable. The bag has been in use for 2 years and still going strong…

Piperlime is having a sale on the Clare Vivier messenger bag in red! I used to have this bag in tan and overall I liked it, but I sold it because of small bits of suede coming off onto my laptop. But it was a good size for laptop travel.